A spearfisherman in Australia is being harshly criticized by the locals for killing Gus the Grouper, a beloved 40-year-old blue fish that had been protected since 1996. The blue grouper, known for being non-aggressive and inquisitive, became the official fish of New South Wales in 1996, when it became protected from spearfishing and commercial enterprise. Tenielle Piek, a local woman, told News.com.au that the “gorgeous bright blue fish” is well known to other divers and swimmers in the area. “Locals were shocked and outraged … My mother was the first person to approach the man requesting to take his photo. He smiled and showed off his killing without realizing it was a protected species and could be fined up to $11,000 for spearing a blue grouper.”The spearfisherman was ultimately fined $537 after being questioned by police.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 09, 2024 17:19 UTC